Best Fall Harvest Orzo Salad (Printable)

Autumn orzo with roasted squash, brussels sprouts, goat cheese, and a maple balsamic dressing.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 12 ounces butternut squash, diced
02 - 2 cups shaved Brussels sprouts
03 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
04 - Avocado oil spray
05 - ½ teaspoon salt

→ Pasta & Cheese

06 - 3 cups cooked orzo (from approximately 1 cup dry)
07 - ¼ cup goat cheese, crumbled and softened

→ Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette

08 - ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
09 - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
10 - 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, preferably grade A dark
11 - 1 tablespoon water
12 - 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
13 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
14 - Extra sea salt, to taste

# How-To:

01 - Prepare orzo according to package directions. Drain thoroughly and set aside to cool slightly.
02 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange diced butternut squash, shaved Brussels sprouts, and sliced red onion on a baking sheet. Lightly spray with avocado oil and sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt. Roast 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and caramelized. Remove from oven.
03 - Combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, water, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and a pinch of sea salt in a small bowl or jar. Whisk or shake vigorously until well emulsified. Adjust seasoning as needed.
04 - In a large bowl, toss cooked orzo with roasted vegetables and vinaigrette until evenly coated. Let cool slightly.
05 - When salad reaches room temperature, sprinkle crumbled goat cheese over top. Gently toss to combine for a creamy texture or leave cheese scattered for bursts of flavor. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Seasonal flavor combination with fall vegetables
  • Easy to prepare and great for meal prep
02 -
  • Add toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch
  • Substitute feta cheese for goat cheese if desired
03 -
  • Use grade A dark maple syrup for the best flavor
  • Let the salad rest for at least 10 minutes to deepen flavors
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